Exmouth, Western Australia

More and more tourists come to Exmouth and Yardie Creek every year. They come to this isolated place in north west Australia to swim with the whalesharks, Manta rays, turtles and other sea creatures on the beautiful coral reef at Ningarloo Marine Park.

Yardie Creek

The reef is in the hot, dry tropics and summer temperatures can reach more than 47C. That's why visitors come now, in the winter months, when temperatures range from low 20's to low 30's. Because it's peak season and the school holidays have just started, all accommodation in and around Exmouth is completely booked out.

Yardie Creek

Coral spawning is an important event and sets off a chain reaction. It happens when the coral releases eggs and sperm into the ocean and it's said to be a wonderful sight for snorkellers and divers to experience. This happens around 10 to 12 days after the full moon in both March and April.

Sand Dunes

After the spawning, the whalesharks arrive in April and stay until early July and the Manta rays arrive in May and leave in mid November.

Looking down on Lighthouse Caravan Park to the Naval Base

Although tourism is the major growth industry today, there is also fishing, wool production and oil exploration around the Exmouth area.